What happened
During an afternoon agricultural spraying operation for the Vidiskes sovkhoz, a flight crew initiated takeoff with an unconventional passenger manifest. The captain operated the aircraft without a co-pilot, instead carrying two technicians and one engineer. Shortly after departing, while maintaining an altitude of approximately 150 to 200 meters, the pilot attempted to establish communication with Vilnius ATC but was unable to do so due to insufficient height.
Following this failed communication attempt, the aircraft type became uncontrollable. The plane impacted the ground at high velocity and subsequently bounced across a snow-covered field, coming to rest 98 meters from the initial impact site. The accident resulted in three fatalities among the passengers, while the pilot sustained serious injuries.
Findings
Investigations into the crash highlighted significant operational irregularities. The primary contributing factor was the captain's decision to fly without a co-pilot and with three unauthorized individuals on board. Furthermore, performing maneuvers at low altitudes over snowy terrain without a second pilot contributed to the loss of control and subsequent ground collision.